Buncombe County and Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC) held a mountaintop press conference on Monday to officially mark the purchase of the Deaverview Mountain property and to share details about its future park. 

From the top of Deaverview Mountain, Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Chair Amanda Edwards expressed awe at the spectacular landscape and excitement for the project: “Deaverview Mountain will serve as a place where conservation and recreation go hand in hand. Protecting this landscape ensures that its ecological value is preserved, while also creating space for hiking, nature exploration, and environmental education for generations to come. It’s an investment in both the health of our environment and the well-being of our community and a legacy project.” 

Buncombe County Parks & Recreation Director Allison Dains thanked SAHC for its partnership from the beginning of the project and recognized the support of North Carolina State Parks, the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation, and Recreation Resources Service in obtaining the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) and the North Carolina Land and Water Fund grants, which were the primary funding sources for the acquisition. 

Dains also provided details for the next steps of the project. A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for engineering and design services has been released, which will help guide the planning and development of the site. Over the coming months, the Parks & Recreation Department will work with the selected consultants to assess the property, engage the community, and develop a master plan. The master planning process is expected to take approximately 6-9 months, and staff will be exploring a phased approach to opening portions of the park to the public. 

“Our goal is to move deliberately and responsibly,” said Dains, “ensuring that as we open this space to the public, we do so in a way that protects its natural character while creating a welcoming and accessible park for all.” 

Joining the County leadership for remarks were Congressman Chuck Edwards, Representative Brian Turner, SAHC Executive Director Carl Silverstein, Executive Director of the North Carolina Land and Water Fund Will Summer, and Director of the Governor’s Western Office Holly Jones, with a letter of support from Governor Josh Stein. 

Many other supporters, donors, and members of staff attended to celebrate and take in the beauty of Deaverview Mountain. 

A video recap of the press conference can be found on YouTube.

Background on Deaverview Mountain Project

In 2023, a conservation-minded buyer purchased the Deaverview Mountain property and signed a three-year option agreement with SAHC that allowed for time to find a permanent conservation solution. SAHC and Buncombe County Government have worked to secure funding sources, and on Thursday, March 19, the County closed on the purchase of the property. The acquisition will allow the County, in partnership with SAHC, to preserve this significant natural asset and create a new Buncombe County public park. 

The land currently is not open to the public and will not be open to the public until the park infrastructure is completed. 

The 342-acre property includes a 3,118-foot mountain peak, open space with 180-degree views of the French Broad River Valley, 16 headwater streams, and potential for passive recreation, hiking, and outdoor education.